Woman attacked in apartment stairwell, police say

Published: Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 6:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 6:54 p.m.

A woman was injured early Saturday morning by a man who robbed her at gunpoint and attempted to sexually attack her in an apartment building stairwell, according to a report.

The woman told Gainesville Police that a man wearing all black and armed with a handgun and a knife accosted her around 3 a.m. on the second floor stairwell of building D of the Enclave Apartments, 3000 SW 35th Place.

The man demanded her belongings and tried to sexually assault her, but she pushed him away and fought with him, according to a report. The woman’s right hand was injured and the man knocked out a front tooth.

The attacker also pointed his handgun at a person who came to the aid of the woman, who went to Shands at the University of Florida for treatment.

Officer Corey Martin observed a man matching the attacker’s description walking near building D. Roderick Kantrel Pittman, 29, was detained and found to be in possession of two condoms and a knife, a report said.

Pittman had a cut on his arm that he told police he got from jumping a fence.

The victim and witness could not positively Pittman as the suspect. Pittman was arrested on a charge of loitering and prowling.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them. The victim and witness told police that two men in the parking lot had stopped to see if everything was okay before they drove off. These two men, said to be of college age, may have seen the suspect in the area.

Police also said a witness saw another man looking over the second floor railing of building D. This person may also have seen the attacker.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Chris King at 393-7660. You can also make an anonymous tip by texting “GPDFL” plus your tip to 274637.

<p>A woman was injured early Saturday morning by a man who robbed her at gunpoint and attempted to sexually attack her in an apartment building stairwell, according to a report.</p><p>The woman told Gainesville Police that a man wearing all black and armed with a handgun and a knife accosted her around 3 a.m. on the second floor stairwell of building D of the Enclave Apartments, 3000 SW 35th Place.</p><p>The man demanded her belongings and tried to sexually assault her, but she pushed him away and fought with him, according to a report. The woman's right hand was injured and the man knocked out a front tooth.</p><p>The attacker also pointed his handgun at a person who came to the aid of the woman, who went to Shands at the University of Florida for treatment.</p><p>Officer Corey Martin observed a man matching the attacker's description walking near building D. Roderick Kantrel Pittman, 29, was detained and found to be in possession of two condoms and a knife, a report said.</p><p>Pittman had a cut on his arm that he told police he got from jumping a fence.</p><p>The victim and witness could not positively Pittman as the suspect. Pittman was arrested on a charge of loitering and prowling.</p><p>Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them. The victim and witness told police that two men in the parking lot had stopped to see if everything was okay before they drove off. These two men, said to be of college age, may have seen the suspect in the area.</p><p>Police also said a witness saw another man looking over the second floor railing of building D. This person may also have seen the attacker.</p><p>Anyone with information can contact Detective Chris King at 393-7660. You can also make an anonymous tip by texting “GPDFL” plus your tip to 274637.</p>